How to Find Time for Everything

I suspect you have a life very much like mine. I am always upset that I can’t get to all the things I’m supposed to do, never mind all the things I want to do. So, how can I write an article on how to find time for everything? Because I think I’m at least approaching a balance in my activities. Maybe I can share with you how I did that, and it will take some of the sting out of not getting to every little thing! It comes down to establishing priorities and then sticking with them.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. I’ve read more time management, self-help books than I can count. They always start with such a hopeful message - I believe, in those first few chapters, that YES!, I can do everything, and YES!, if I just follow the advice in this book my children will be well-fed and clothed, smart and well-behaved, my marriage will thrive, my house will stay clean, I’ll have an abundant garden, fit into tiny jeans, have enormously funny devoted friends that I spend loads of time with, I’ll have three novels written by the end of the month, and the dog will never, ever, jump up on a guest.

2. Unfortunately, it’s all just my over-active imagination coupled with my gullible nature. It’s not really all going to fit into the time I have allowed, even if I do find a way to give up sleeping. But here’s the key I keep finding over and over: decide what is most important to you and do that first.

3. I know, it sounds so very easy. I am sitting here writing while my bathroom is about to be condemned by the health department. Or nearly. But it’s true, you’ve got to learn to let some things go.

4. You may not be able to. Perhaps you are working and have kids (and my admiration) and you are managing to fit in a workout now and then. That’s great! What’s left? I’d be surprised if there is any time at all. But, I hope your job and your kids are very fulfilling in terms of your life’s purpose. Hard to remember that in the day-to-day, but you chose to do them both for a reason. If the job is not what you want, exactly, perhaps you can fit in a change there. I’d recommend the book Wishcraft by Barbara Sher if you are looking for some direction.

5. Time management gurus will often recommend a to-do list. These are great but here’s my bit of magic advice: you need to look at it every day. I’ve made lots of project lists, master to-do lists, daily to-do lists, someday lists...you name it. They make me feel really organized that day, but unless I refer to them daily to see what I can work on, it’s just another piece of paper that threatens to bury me. If you can remember to keep your list nearby and refer to it daily, good for you! You are probably on your way to, if not getting everything done, then at least making an intelligent decision about what you are going to do.

6. Perhaps you are watching TV a lot but wish you had time to read. Do you really? If watching TV is what you do for relaxation, perhaps you just accept that at this time, you need that down time. For me, I’ve mostly given up TV. It’s not as hard as I thought, and it’s given me way more time to read, which I adore.

7. The trick is to put the big balls in the container first - the activities that are most important to you. Then fit the small ones in around them. Write down on paper what are the most important things. Are you doing okay in those? Then does it matter that the refrigerator is covered with fingerprints and a little dried ketchup?

8. Here’s my last tip: Behind your to-do list, or somewhere in your life, keep a running list of accomplishments. Sometimes, our days seemed filled but at the end, what do we have to show for it? Well, write them down: Planned the party for Mom. Called my Sister. Ran errand for neighbor. Attended two soccer games. Picked up friend at the airport, took out to dinner. Finished reading a book. Had a heart to heart with son. Wrapped up big project at work. Caught up on email. Planned night out for my friends. Listened to a girlfriend talk about her love life. - You might be surprised at all the wonderful things you are doing - all of which fit in with your life goals. I recommend you visit your Accomplishments list as often as you visit your To Do list!

Tips & Warnings

• Only clean if it's dirty.
• Only sign the kids up for activities they beg for.
• Convenience foods are great.
• Take care of yourself first.
• Don't be a workaholic.
• Books on CD make a commute useful and enjoyable. Check the library. Even the grown ups will enjoy the kids books on tape.
• TV, the Internet and phone can eat up time you'd rather spend doing something else - keep track and cut back if you need to.

[bluewillow]

on 6/25/2009 Number Six is especially great advice. You would be surprised what you can find to do if you do without television. After lightning killed my satellite TV system twice, I decided "no more", and I've never missed it a day! I now have time to read, relax, quilt, and carry on a conversation with my husband without the television blaring. The Internet and Phone also can eat up your time that you could use doing something else more meaningful.